Senior Commercial Officer

Job Description – Senior Commercial Officer Location: Sharjah / Dubai, UAE Department: Project Management Reporting To: Development Director / Project Director Job Summary Responsible for supporting the commercial and contractual management of real estate development projects, ensuring effective cost control, budget monitoring, contract administration, procurement coordination, and commercial risk management. The role involves overseeing commercial activities, reviewing variations and contractor claims, monitoring financial commitments and project expenditure, and coordinating with consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to safeguard the developer's commercial interests. The Senior Commercial Officer will also support project planning oversight by assessing the commercial and contractual implications of programme changes, delays, and project milestones. Key Responsibilities 1. Commercial & Cost Management · Monitor project budgets, expenditures, financial commitments, and cost forecasts to ensure alignment with approved budgets. · Maintain and update commercial reports, including committed costs, actual expenditure, cost-to-complete, and estimated final project costs. · Monitor project cash flow forecasts, payment projections. · Identify potential cost overruns, financial deviations, and commercial risks, recommending appropriate mitigation measures. · Coordinate with consultants and internal finance teams to ensure accurate cost reporting and financial reconciliation. 2. Contract Administration & Claims Management · Support the administration of construction and consultancy contracts in accordance with contractual provisions and project requirements. · Review and assess variations, change orders, contractor claims, and associated commercial implications. · Coordinate the evaluation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims, prolongation costs, and other contractual claims with relevant consultants. · Monitor contractual notices, obligations, and key commercial milestones. · Support contractual negotiations, dispute avoidance, and the resolution of commercial matters. · Maintain accurate commercial and contractual records to support management decisions. 3. Payment & Financial Administration · Review contractor payment applications and consultant payment recommendations to ensure compliance with contractual requirements. · Verify the commercial accuracy of payment assessments, including approved variations, retention, advance payment recovery, and applicable deductions. · Coordinate payment processing with consultants, finance, and relevant internal departments. · Monitor payment status and maintain updated payment and financial commitment registers. 4. Procurement & Tender Management · Coordinate procurement activities in alignment with approved project budgets and procurement schedules. · · Support tender preparation, commercial bid evaluations, tender clarifications, and contract award recommendations. · Review commercial comparisons and assist in contract negotiations. · Monitor procurement progress and identify potential commercial risks affecting project delivery. · Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and delegated approval procedures. 5. Planning & Progress Monitoring · Coordinate with planning teams, consultants, and contractors to monitor project progress against approved programmes and milestones. · Review programme updates and assess the commercial and contractual implications of delays, acceleration measures, and changes. · Support the evaluation of time-related claims and potential financial exposure. · Highlight programme-related commercial risks and recommend mitigation measures. 6. Commercial Reporting & Risk Management · Prepare monthly commercial reports covering project costs, budget performance, variations, claims, payments, and financial forecasts. · Maintain commercial risk registers, variation logs, claims trackers, and financial commitment records. · Support management in evaluating commercial risks and identifying opportunities for cost optimization. · Ensure compliance with project commercial procedures, contractual obligations, and internal approval requirements. 7. Project Closeout & Final Accounts · Coordinate the commercial closeout of construction and consultancy contracts. · Support the review and negotiation of final accounts, outstanding variations, and claims. · Monitor the release of retention payments and closure of outstanding commercial obligations in accordance with contract conditions. · Ensure proper archiving of commercial records and final account documentation. -Qualifications & Experience · Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline. · 6–10 years of relevant experience in commercial management, quantity surveying, or contract administration within the UAE construction or real estate development sector. · Experience working with developers, project management consultants, or cost consultants is preferred. · Strong knowledge of construction contracts, cost control, variations, claims, procurement, and payment certification processes. · Good working knowledge of FIDIC Conditions of Contract, particularly the Red Book. · Experience in reviewing contractor claims, EOT submissions, and variation assessments. · Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial reporting, cost tracking, and commercial analysis. · Familiarity with project management, cost control, ERP, or document management systems. · Strong analytical, negotiation, reporting, and communication skills. · Ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities. · Preferred Qualifications · Professional certification or membership such as MRICS, AIQS, or equivalent is an advantage. · Previous experience supporting large-scale residential or mixed-use developments. · Familiarity with UAE construction regulations and commercial practices. · Experience in project closeout, final account settlement, and commercial risk management. 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